The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Integrating Psychology, Sociology, and Communication Studies

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Integrating Psychology, Sociology, and Communication Studies

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Integrating Psychology, Sociology, and Communication Studies

The impact of social media on mental health is a growing concern in today’s digital age. This interdisciplinary capstone project would explore how social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter affect mental well-being, drawing from psychology, sociology, and communication studies.

• Psychology: Psychology students would examine the psychological effects of social media on individuals, particularly its role in self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and depression. They would conduct surveys or interviews to gather qualitative data on how different social media platforms impact users' emotional well-being. Psychologists would also analyze phenomena like social comparison and the constant validation-seeking behavior that social media platforms can encourage.

• Sociology: Sociology students would explore the broader societal implications of social media, such as its impact on social behavior, relationships, and identity. They would study how social media shapes cultural norms, societal expectations, and peer interactions. Additionally, sociology students could explore how online communities and digital spaces contribute to feelings of belonging or isolation, particularly among marginalized groups or younger individuals.

• Communication Studies: Communication studies students would analyze how the nature of communication on social media—such as the prevalence of direct messaging, likes, comments, and sharing—affects how people interact. They could look into the role of influencers, social media activism, and how digital communication differs from face-to-face interactions. They would also focus on the linguistic and psychological aspects of social media language, including the impact of emojis, hashtags, and memes on communication and perception.

The result of this interdisciplinary project could be a comprehensive report on the mental health implications of social media, along with recommendations for mitigating negative effects. This could also lead to the development of an educational program or digital tool designed to help users manage their social media use healthily.